| If the time has come in your home to add a pet to | | | | unless they are healthy! They may be a little worse |
| your family, here are a few of the pros and cons | | | | for wear, a frostbitten ear, missing leg, but these |
| regarding rescue pets. | | | | just add to their uniqueness. |
| Let's start with the cons as there really seem to be | | | | 4. Surprises - If you get a young mixed breed cat or |
| fewer; | | | | dog, the future is not cast in stone, but a good |
| 1. Some animals end up in shelters without any | | | | estimate on size can usually be determined by a vet. |
| background history. Depending on the age of the | | | | If you are not into surprises, then there are always |
| animal, this could be significant regarding the health of | | | | lots of full grown adults to pick from. |
| the animal, both physical and mental. Even animals | | | | 5. Rescued dogs and cats are usually mixed breeds. |
| dropped off by previous owners may not have | | | | While this may give surprises, there are good things |
| reliable information. | | | | about mixes. The most important being genetic |
| 2. Abused animals take more work. Although it is | | | | problems that can become prevalent in purebreds, |
| worth it in the long run, many people are unaware | | | | are usually not seen in mixed breeds. |
| and unprepared. | | | | 6. Most pets are already spayed or neutered, saving |
| 3. Unlike a purebred dog from a reputable breeder | | | | you the time and expense. |
| who will guarantee the animals health and | | | | 7. Price - A purebred animal can cost anywhere from |
| temperament, a rescue pet comes with no | | | | $500.00 and up. A rescue pet is usually anywhere |
| guarantee (rather like children!). | | | | from $10.00 (for gerbils, hamsters and mice) to |
| 4. Most shelters have policies in place regarding the | | | | $200.00 (for a dog already "fixed"). |
| spaying or neutering of pets before they leave the | | | | 8. Availability - Unfortunately you never have to wait |
| shelter if possible. Breeding animals of unknown | | | | for a rescue pet to be born. There are literally millions. |
| makeup may not be the responsible thing to do. | | | | If you can't find what you want at your local shelter, |
| And those seem to be the most talked about | | | | try a private shelter or rescue society. Rural shelters |
| "problems" with a rescue pet. | | | | are also a great place to look. There are less people |
| Time for the pros; | | | | in the country to adopt and these shelters find it |
| 1. You are probably saving an innocent life. The | | | | more difficult to place animals. |
| animals in shelters did not ask to be there. Most are | | | | 9. Rescue pets almost seem more eager to please. |
| there because of peoples irresponsibility. | | | | Maybe they know that without you, their days were |
| 2. Variety - Think you want a rabbit? How about a | | | | numbered. Maybe being lonely for a period of their |
| chinchilla instead? Your local shelter is an excellent | | | | life made them appreciate a family more. Maybe it is |
| place to view and handle a wide variety of animals. | | | | just us projecting our feelings onto them. Whatever |
| Shelter staff are among the most knowledgeable | | | | the reason, a rescue will fill your life. |
| people that you can ask regarding your choice for a | | | | These are just a very few reasons to rescue a pet |
| pet. They will be able to answer questions regarding | | | | today. Next time you're looking, visit your local shelter |
| food, temperament, health and any available | | | | before you visit a pet shop. |
| background information. | | | | Enjoy your pet no matter how you found each |
| 3. Health - Animals are not adopted out from shelters | | | | other. |